Local solutions start with changes and responsibility in the state

Tragedies bring people close together. Then time passes and all that goodwill and compassion is gone. It is good to see dialogue and people wanting solutions for the community since Fr. Eric’s untimely death.  It is not just Fr. Eric, but every victim of violence and crime that is equally important.

Some people are focused on only their particular cause. Others have solutions and want the local elected officials and local law enforcement to just fix things, even those they may not have control over. Certainly local policies need to be looked at and what can be changed. To bring change that benefits everyone, let go of agendas and focus on better and safer quality of life for all.

Economics are an underlying factor and very important reason but we are not going to solve that overnight because people tend to blame who they think is responsible. You cannot blame corporations without also looking at the criminal element, especially growers, who contribute nothing to the local community other than destroy the environment and make money off people. Greed regardless of who perpetuates it will only be gone when people start making small individual sacrifices and standing up to those who create divisions of all kinds. And profit off those divisions.

The people responsible for realignment in California with no practical thought to funding or how it would affect communities are largely responsible for the recent increase in crime. When there are no consequences for repeat offenders, there is no deterrent. Economy is also affected by laws in California which are created by legislators who do not have to live with the consequences. Change needs to start at the state level.

While incarceration is not always the solution, coddling and enabling people who take no personal responsibility for their actions is what contributes to people thinking certain behavior is okay. Constitutional rights should be preserved but in our society today criminals’ rights are becoming more important than those who follow the law.

Do we need more funding and help for mental illness and addiction? Yes. However, that will not change people who do not want to change. As a culture, especially locally, before you ask officials to make improvements, start by not excusing every act to a bad childhood, mental illness and drugs. Some people just don’t care who is affected by their actions. Therapy and laws do not fix everything. Having a basic respect for others and a belief that your life and needs are just as important as your neighbor starts with basic values.

In Matthew 46-50, Jesus is asked who his family is. “As he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him, And one said unto him: Behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without, seeking thee. But he answering him that told him, said: Who is my mother, and who are my brethren? And stretching forth his hand towards his disciples, he said: Behold my mother and my brethren. For whosoever shall do the will of my Father, that is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother”.

If you are not Christian or a non-believer replace heaven with earth or community and the sentiment for you is the same. Real change will come when we stop focusing on just our small group of loved ones and what individually benefits us and start looking at what benefits the human family.